Merrill High School principal Shannon Murray introduces Stu Cabe to students assembled in the Merrill High School fieldhouse for the Great Speakers Forum.

Stu Cabe, founder of The Ovation Company, spoke to Merrill's middle and high school students on April 9. It was this year's Great Speakers Forum.

"The Merrill Great Speakers Forum is an extremely valuable program in our district, and one that benefits students greatly," said Wally Leipart, superintendent of MAPS. "It is wonderful to receive this type of support from the community."

This year's message focused on promoting improved school climate and cultivating positive interactions with all who share the school environment. Cabe's break-out sessions focused on "playing fair and being nice."

"It is great to see our community come together to support an educational forum that has been benefiting students for 36 years," said Leipart. "Mr. Cabe's presentation this year was truly inspiring, and I know that our students got a lot out of it."

Some of the comments from students were: "His message inspired me that I can do anything, and I can make a difference in the world." "It was good and amazing, don't follow the crowd, and be nice." "I like that he made jokes, but got his point across." "I want to be nice to everyone!"

In previous years, the Merrill Great Speakers Forum has featured Green Bay Packers player Brian Noble, paraplegic Matt Glowacki, and author, journalist and long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad. The forum is funded entirely through donations.

Traditionally, forum speakers have covered areas such as self-esteem, self-worth, dignity of person, pride in self, goals and achievement, patriotism and coping with the problems of modern society.